meet new people

I went to the picnic, and met about a dozen people who all had taught in Japan, and they’re a friendly bunch. It turns out that the girl I sat next to also really likes kimono and shipped her collection home, and when I enthused about it as well, we realized we had more in common than we thought and exchanged emails. Once I get my kimono here, we’re going to make some sort of “kimono nite out” so that we can be kimono dorks together. :) I think, if she stays in Chicago (she’s looking for work back in Japan), this could be a friendship!

The play was great as well, really enjoyed it. I’d count that classmate as a friend now, and not just someone I have a class with.

Whoo!

Well, we’ll see if I meet new people tomorrow who might become friends. I’m going to a picnic as part of an alumni association event (though it’s kinda chilly!). We all have something in common, so at least that’s a place to start.

Also, I’ve found a free language class near my campus, so I’m going to start going to that as well, but I can’t start until two weeks from now because I’ve already made plans for the evening it’s on next week.

Also going to a play with a girl from class. I feel like we’re actually becoming friends instead of just classmates, and that’s a nice feeling.

I decided I’d check out meetup.com and join a few clubs in the area. Even if I don’t go to all the events, at least receiving the invitations should get me thinking and maybe get me out there meeting people. And the nice thing about that site is that I choose the groups I’m interested in, and that’s always nice. Signed up for a Japanese language group, a sake group, and the free&cheap group for Chicago.

Here’s hoping I can make it to their events and meet potential new friends!

When I stopped at a coffee shop today as part of another goal (to visit all the tea/coffee shops within 1 mile of my abode), I talked with the waiter a bit, who also happened to be the owner. He was very nice and super friendly. It’s not like we’ll become buds, but the atmosphere of his shop was nice and I’ll definitely be going back. He might even remember me; he probably doesn’t get many Canadians.

On the way back home from there, I walked by a place that reminded me to email a group that offers Japanese culture courses (dance, drumming, etc) and find out if they’re offering classes in the future (their website hasn’t been updated with classes since 2006! o.O). Here’s hoping I hear back from them.

I just moved on Tuesday to a new city – and a new country! I only know my housemates (who are also classmates), and I’d like to make friends who aren’t in my program.

While visiting a neat little coffee shop today, I noticed they had an email list for people interested in things like book clubs, movie nights, language lessons, and so on. I decided to sign my name up and see what happens! It’s in my area, so maybe I’ll meet some other locals.

I thought about joining some uni clubs, but none really caught my interest. I’ll see what else is out in the neighbourhood!